Heriot-Watt success in Guardian League Tables

Heriot-Watt University has risen an impressive 25 places in the Guardian University Guide 2010.  Achieving overall 22nd place in the UK out of 118 institutions, and 5th in Scotland, Heriot-Watt has strengthened its position as one of the UK's leading universities.

The Guide covers full-time, undergraduate courses at higher education institutions in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.  Unlike many other ‘league tables’ the Guardian judges universities purely on their teaching as opposed to teaching and research. The Guide is aimed at those wanting to start university in September 2010..

In terms of particular subject rankings that Heriot-Watt’s School of Management and Languages is measured in, Heriot-Watt is in the top 10 for Modern Languages, the top 15 for Economics and the top 20 for Business & Management.  Breaking this down further we are ranked 2nd in Scotland for Modern Languages, 3rd in Scotland for Economics, and 4th in Scotland for Business & Management.

There is no doubt that one of the key ingredients in Heriot-Watt’s improved ranking is the high satisfaction ratings we receive from our students, particularly in Modern Languages where student satisfaction at Heriot-Watt was 96%! Find out more about our undergraduate courses at www.sml.hw.ac.uk/undergrad

Commenting on the statistics, the Principal and Vice-Chancellor of Heriot-Watt University Professor Anton Muscatelli said, "This is excellent news and is testament to the commitment of the University in strengthening its position as a leading institution continually enhancing student experience in academic terms and providing an all-embracing relevant education. It recognises the quality of a Heriot-Watt degree, in securing good employment."

 

How are the tables compiled
Seven statistical measures to contribute to the ranking of a university in each subject, weighted as follows:

1. Teaching quality – as rated by final year students on the course
2. Feedback (assessment) – as rated by final year students on the course
3. Spending by the university per student
4. Staff/student ratio
5. Job prospects
6. Value added – comparing students' degree results with their entry qualifications
7. Entry score